In a remarkable display of bravery, two Southampton police officers were the first responders to a vehicle fire in a multi-story car park on Civic Centre Road, successfully containing the blaze before fire crews arrived.

Quick Response:
- Incident Location: The incident occurred in a car park on Civic Centre Road.
- Police Intervention: The officers used extinguishers from their police vehicles to tackle the Volkswagen fire.
Effective Containment:
- Bodycam Footage: The officers’ bodycam images capture the intensity of the situation and their efforts to manage the fire.
- Limited Damage: Due to their prompt action, the vehicle suffered only 30% damage, significantly less than it would have been without their intervention.
No Injuries Reported:
- Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the incident.
Fire Brigade’s Response:
- Firefighter Arrival: Crews from St Mary’s and Redbridge fire stations arrived at the scene to extinguish the remaining fire.
- Safety Measures: Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, used jets to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and to prevent it from spreading to nearby vehicles.
Commendable Bravery:
- The officer’s quick thinking and decisive action under pressure are commendable. Their bravery not only prevented further damage but also ensured public safety until the fire brigade could take over.
Acknowledgement:
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Statement: They acknowledged the officers’ crucial role in managing the situation effectively before their arrival.
Conclusion:
The courageous actions of these two Southampton police officers highlight the importance of first responders in emergencies. Their prompt and effective handling of the vehicle fire averted a potentially more serious incident, underlining the vital role police officers play in public safety beyond their conventional duties.